DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A COMPUTER BASED LIBRARY INDEXING SYSTEM (A CASE STUDY OF IMT LIBRARY, ENUGU)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Computerization in IMT Library is seen as a special effort of this project work. However, computerized library indexing is a directed effort towards improving the existing system services and development of new services rather than just maintaining a “status quo”. On the other hand, the introduction of computer systems as the height of computerization does jot only aim at replacing the manual method of library indexing and cataloguing system but equally aims at overturning all the inherent constraints that are associated with the use of manual system in IMT Library. The cumbersome arrangement of text, document and other library materials which inhibits the speedy accessing of desired information and its solution requirements are the main focal point of this new system. Similarly, the structure and format of the index in this project work includes such mattes as the arrangement of the entries, the physical layout and sizes and styles of types which should be planned to provide maximum ease in scanning and discriminating among individual entries. The computerization alternative of this new system do not stop at phasing out the existing system of the manual approaches to get about indexing and cataloguing in IMT library but also take into consideration the nature of material indexed, the variety and complexity of the subject matter, the nature of user and the technology structure to sort library materials or entries, assemble, duplicate and infertile entries or to assign index terms.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS

Computerized library indexing is the desired system in Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu library, but because of their present method of indexing which is manually operated, a number of problems where identified. These problems in question hampers the realization of goal of the existing system. The problems are itemized below as follows:

1. Wrong filings of the indexed materials

2. Time consuming

3. Mutilation of library materials

4. poor security network